This is a reproduction "gaggle" patch created for CV-43 for one of their Vietnam-era deployments and shows the different squadrons that were in that Airwing at that time (VF-22 Cavaliers, VA-44, VF-43, VF-45, and VA-106). I don't have all the history, but have been told it's quite the story!! This is a large patch, perfect to build a jacket around and does not come with velcro attached.

The 'Challengers' of VF-43 were established in May 1945 as VF-74A, then went through many name-changes: VF-74 in August 1945, VF-1B in November 1946, VF-21 in September 1948, VA-43 in July 1959, then VF-43 in June 1973. They operated a mix of Douglas A-4Fs and TA-4Fs Skyhawks, Northrop F-5E and F-5F Tigers, General Dynamics F-16N and TF-16Ns, and the North American T-2C Buckeyes, all for the sole purpose of providing air combat training to the Fleet fighter squadrons. This is their squadron patch......note the '30' on there...not sure what that means and does not have velcro attached.

This patch for VF-43 says "Satan's Detailers" on it, but not sure the hidden meaning behind that. They have been decommissioned. For their history, see above.

The 'Challengers' of VF-43 were established in May 1945 as VF-74A, then went through many name-changes: VF-74 in August 1945, VF-1B in November 1946, VF-21 in September 1948, VA-43 in July 1959, then VF-43 in June 1973. They operated a mix of Douglas A-4Fs and TA-4Fs Skyhawks, Northrop F-5E and F-5F Tigers, General Dynamics F-16N and TF-16Ns, and the North American T-2C Buckeyes, all for the sole purpose of providing air combat training to the Fleet fighter squadrons. This is their 'A-4' version of their aircraft triangle and does not have velcro.

The 'Challengers' of VF-43 were established in May 1945 as VF-74A, then went through many name-changes: VF-74 in August 1945, VF-1B in November 1946, VF-21 in September 1948, VA-43 in July 1959, then VF-43 in June 1973. They operated a mix of Douglas A-4Fs and TA-4Fs Skyhawks, Northrop F-5E and F-5F Tigers, General Dynamics F-16N and TF-16Ns, and the North American T-2C Buckeyes, all for the sole purpose of providing air combat training to the Fleet fighter squadrons. This is their 'F-16' version of their aircraft triangle.

The 'Challengers' of VF-43 were established in May 1945 as VF-74A, then went through many name-changes: VF-74 in August 1945, VF-1B in November 1946, VF-21 in September 1948, VA-43 in July 1959, then VF-43 in June 1973. They operated a mix of Douglas A-4Fs and TA-4Fs Skyhawks, Northrop F-5E and F-5F Tigers, General Dynamics F-16N and TF-16Ns, and the North American T-2C Buckeyes, all for the sole purpose of providing air combat training to the Fleet fighter squadrons. This is their 'KFIR/F-21' version of their aircraft triangle.

(Another AV8RSTUFF Creation): For those who served in VF-43 and wore the CNT's (khaki uniform), then you will remember the small, metal "cloissonnette" that was glued onto the nametag worn on the right breast. This is the small metal "cloissonnette" that can be glued on just about anything!